Jason Gallian is confident Nottinghamshire’s new opener Matthew Wood will fill his shoes admirably after signing from Somerset.

The 36-year-old veteran is on his way to Essex after spending 10 years at Trent Bridge, during which time he scored more than 8,000 first class runs including 24 centuries.

But he believes that Wood, alongside Will Jefferson and Bilal Shafayat, can produce the volume of runs required to succeed in Division One.

Gallian was presented with a silver salver at the End of Season Gala Dinner (pictured) and said: “Matthew is an accomplished player and I think the move to Notts will prove to be a good one for his career.

“He had limited opportunities to play in the summer but moving to a Test ground with a team that’s challenging for honours on all fronts will help him step up another gear.

“I think Will Jefferson will also be a fine player for the club now that he’s settled into life in Nottingham. He can focus on his fitness over the winter and be ready for a big season in 2008.

“I’m sad to be leaving Notts, but ultimately the chance to sign a two-year contract was too good to ignore.

“Hopefully I can help Essex to win promotion in 2008 and then get the chance to return to Trent Bridge the following year.”